Akeem Oduyoye
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday, November 20, 2025, convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on 7 terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government’s prosecution team.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu used multiple broadcasts to incite violence, threaten citizens, and promote actions that caused fear and destruction in the South-East region.
The court explained that its decision was based mainly on prosecution evidence, including video recordings and radio interviews, where Kanu issued violent threats, ordered sit-at-home enforcement, and made statements encouraging attacks on Nigeria. The judge said these actions met the legal definition of terrorism.
According to the judgment, Kanu was found guilty on counts one and two, which involved making repeated broadcasts calling for violence and killings while promoting his separatist movement. He was also convicted on counts four and five, which linked him to inciting violence during the #EndSARS protests, where security officers were killed and government buildings were destroyed in Lagos.
Justice Omotosho added that the sit-at-home orders enforced through threats were unconstitutional and caused fear across the South-East. He noted that markets, streets, and even farmlands were left empty because people were scared to disobey Kanu’s directives.
The court further stated that Kanu was given every opportunity to defend himself, dismissing claims that he was denied a fair hearing. It also highlighted one of his broadcasts where he allegedly said the Nigerian Army “will die” and that “everything called Nigeria will perish in Biafra,” describing such statements as dangerous and unlawful.
Justice Omotosho reminded the court that the offences Kanu was convicted of carry a maximum punishment of death, update on his sentencing will be announced soon.